THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Even in this situation, the righteous individual does not engage in conflict or resist but humbly submits even to those of lesser status. True meekness is exemplified by one who, despite suffering wrongs from those more powerful, graciously concedes to insults from those deemed inferior. It is under these circumstances that the depth of the offended person's meekness becomes truly apparent. Otherwise, one might mistake resignation for meekness when confronted by a stronger adversary. To illustrate that his attitude towards the king stemmed from his character rather than from royal authority, we see that he responds similarly to the shepherds. For instance, when the king told him, "Depart from us," he immediately took it as an order and left without hesitation.
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Likewise, when the shepherds began to insult him and seized his well, he accepted their actions with humility. To preserve this incident for future generations, he named the well in remembrance of what had transpired. Since the shepherds had wronged him, Scripture records, "And he gave the well a name, Esek, because they disputed with him." Hence, the very name of the location stands as an enduring testament to both the meekness of the righteous man and the injustice performed by the shepherds. All who learn the reason behind the well's name come to recognize the virtue of one and the profound wickedness of the others.